Dental Assistant - Jefferson County Department of Health

TARGET CLOSE DATE:

06/02/2025

PAY GRADE:

Grade 13

TYPE:

Full time

JOB SUMMARY:

Dental Assistants in the Health Department assist dentists or dental hygienists chair-side during dental procedures. This could include performing a variety of tasks such as mixing materials, sterilizing instruments and equipment, and preparing patients for dental treatment in health department dental clinics, trailers or related mobile dental programs. Individuals in this position are also required to handle front desk duties that include scheduling appointments, creating and updating dental records, completing billing tasks, and ordering supplies and materials. Work is performed within well-defined protocols, policies and procedures under the immediate supervision of a Senior Dental Hygienist or Dentist. Work is reviewed through observation, accuracy and annual performance review.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

The Jefferson County Department of Health provides competitive pay and comprehensive benefits packages to include medical and dental insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plan (pension), generous paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, and more. The pay range for this job is presented below:

Health Department $37,024 - $57,449

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The following are job-related qualifications that are required for employment consideration for this position:

Option A:

• Possession of a certificate from a CODA accredited dental assisting program.

• Experience utilizing an electronic dental records software program (Dentrix, Eagle Soft, etc.) for the purposes of charting and/or registration of new patients (i.e., intake, insurance verification, payments, etc.).

• Experience exposing and developing digital radiographs (X-rays).

Option B:

• Completion of at least 10 months of a dental assisting program.

• Experience utilizing an electronic dental records software program (Dentrix, Eagle Soft, etc.) for the purposes of charting and/or registration of new patients (i.e., intake, insurance verification, payments, etc.).

• Experience exposing and developing digital radiographs (X-rays).

Option C:

• Experience as a dental assistant or dental hygienist where you have performed the following types of work or activities: assisting a dentist with variety of procedures (operative, prosthetic, extractions, endodontic, pedodontic, orthodontic, and/or periodontic), familiar with chair set up materials, armamentarium set up for a variety of procedures, infection control procedures, utilization of autoclave sterilization equipment, etc.

• Experience utilizing an electronic dental records software program (Dentrix, Eagle Soft, etc.) for the purposes of charting and/or registration of new patients (i.e., intake, insurance verification, payments, etc.).

• Experience exposing and developing digital radiographs (X-rays).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

The following are job-related qualifications deemed desirable by the Health Department. These qualifications may be considered by the Health Department when reviewing applications and inviting candidates to participate in subsequent steps in the selection processes.

• One year or more experience assisting with pediatric dentistry procedures.

• One year or more experience assisting with oral surgery procedures.

• One year or more experience assisting with endodontic procedures.

• Experience verifying insurance and submitting dental claims.

• Front desk experience (answering calls, registering patients, cash handling, etc.).

TYPICAL JOB DUTIES:

• Performs sanitation activities on common areas and dental equipment using sanitizing equipment and products following established safety guidelines in order to minimize exposure to infections and safety hazards.

• Provides customer service to internal and/or external customers.

• Performs various administrative activities by creating and updating files, maintaining documents, and tracking information using various forms and computer systems in order to maintain patient records and prepare for appointments. 

• Performs patient assessments by interviewing patients and reviewing medical records and other relevant information using various resources in order to propose a treatment plan and prepare the dentist for the appropriate procedure.

• Manages departmental accounts receivable by generating and processing invoices and payments to collect and track payments and amounts owed.

• Performs and assists with various dental procedur